Morrow County prosecutor intends to seek death penalty in fatal shooting of deputy
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Morrow County prosecutor’s office announced that it intends to seek the death penalty "upon the conviction" of the man charged in the death of deputy Daniel Sherrer.
During a Friday press conference, County Prosecutor Andrew Wick detailed a grand jury indictment, in which 53-year-old Brian Wilson will face 14 charges in the alleged murder of Sherrer.
"After consultation with the Sheriff’s office and the deputy’s sheriff’s family, and law enforcement community, and review of facts and circumstances around this case, upon conviction it is my intention to seek the death penalty," Wick said. "I stand committed with my office and our law enforcement community to seek justice for fallen deputy Daniel Sherrer."
Sherrer, 31, was shot and killed on Memorial Day after responding to a domestic violence call in which Wilson was involved, reportedly with his brother in law, according to Wick. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.
Wilson, 53, was booked into Delaware County Jail days after a shootout between him and Sherrer on the doorstep of a home on County Road 26, just south of Marengo. Wilson, who was injured in the shootout, is charged with aggravated murder and remains in jail with a $5 million bond.
Sherrer was reportedly responding to a domestic violence call when Wilson confronted him on the porch of the home. Wilson allegedly told Sherrer, “You better just f—— go if you want your family to see you tomorrow,” before shots were fired.
Several gunshots were heard and Sherrer was hit during the exchange. More shots were fired, a court affidavit said, and two firearms were recovered, including a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver.
On Tuesday, Wilson appeared virtually for his arraignment hearing in Morrow County court and received a $5 million cash surety bond with no possibility of paying 10%. Wick had requested a $9 million bond.
During the press conference, Wick listed the 14-count indictment handed down by Friday's grand jury against Wilson, It includes the following charges.
- Aggravated murder with three specifications which qualify for death penalty
- Premeditated aggravated murder, also with specifications that make the suspect eligible for death penalty
- Felony murder
- Felonious assault of a police officer, causing serious physical harm
- Felonious assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon
- Attempted murder of the defendant's brother in law
- Attempted aggravated murder of the defendant's brother in law
- Felonous assault of the defendant's brother in law
- Domestic violence, with a prior conviction of domestic violence
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm into a habitation
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm near a public roadway
- Possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm
- Discharging of a firearm while intoxicated
Counts 1-11 include a three-year weapon specifications.
Sherrer was honored with a 120-mile procession two days after the shooting and was laid to rest Wednesday at a private ceremony at Marion Cemetery. A public service took place earlier in the day at Northmor High School with former sheriff and current pastor Steve Brenneman officiating. Gov. Mike DeWine had also ordered flags flown at half staff until the completion of funeral services.